HSV unveils 40th anniversary GTS and new SV08

Holden Special Vehicles (HSV), the official performance arm of GM’s Aussie subsidiary, has unveiled two new models at today’s Sydney Motor Show, commemorating the 40th anniversary of its GTS performance badge and reviving the SV nomenclature for the latest E-Series range of cars.

HSV’s E-Series is based on the humble VE Commodore produced by Holden but is closer in spec to the Pontiac G8 GXP due early next year.

The Gran Turismo Sportivo (GTS) badge was first used by Holden for its 1968 HK Monaro but later joined the HSV fleet, appearing on the 1992 268hp (200kW) VP GTS. To commemorate 40 years of the GTS badge, just 100 specially released models will be built, featuring black heritage stripes, tire pressure monitors and a commemorative logo embedded on the headrest, brake calliper, sill plate and rear panel.

The Senator Signature SV08, meanwhile, is the latest iteration of the SV88 model first revealed 20 years ago. The Senator Signature SV series is more of a luxury-performance cruiser rather than an all-out sports model, and comes equipped with exclusive paint schemes, sill plates, 20in alloys, and full leather trim. Both six-speed automatic and manual models are available and only 50 units will be built.

All HSV Commodores, except the LS7-powered W427, come with a 425hp (317kW) LS3 engine developing a healthy 406lb-ft (550Nm) of torque.

Also on show in Sydney is the 505hp (375kW) W427 and the latest ClubSport R8 Tourer wagon.